Thursday, August 28, 2014

The first week of classes are in the bag, and the campus is starting to get a little more familiar.

But there are still plenty of new faces around Vol State, so if you haven't taken the time to meet some new people yet, make sure you introduce yourself to someone this week.

Oscar Majano and Miriam Bravo

New students Oscar Majano and Miriam Bravo went to high school together, and are now studying at Vol State. While taking a much-needed break in the shade, Bravo talked about how her first day of classes went.

Q: Was there a lot to take in during your first day of classes?

A: "I didn't feel like there was. It was just a normal day of classes. It was really chill."

Q: Are you planning on getting involved with any clubs or organizations on campus this semester?

A: "I would like to get involved, actually. I don't just want to come here and leave. I want to meet new people and make new friends."

Travis Oliver

Travis Oliver, another new student, took some time to discuss how excited he was for his first semester of college classes.

Q: How do you like Vol State so far now that the first classes is over?

A: "I think this is going to be a fun time for me. I really like the professors. They're really personable, and the rest of the people here are nice. I also like the material that I'm studying."

Q: What are you look forward to the most about the semester?

A: "This theater class I'm taking is obviously going to be a lot of fun. I'm really looking forward to doing a play here in the near future."

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Vol State welcomes a new group of President’s Ambassadors for 2014-2015. The Ambassadors represent the College at events, conduct campus tours and help with public relations. Students selected for the President’s Ambassadors scholarship program go through a rigorous vetting and interview process. Successful candidates are selected from over two thousand eligible students. To be eligible for the program, students must have a cumulative 3.0 grade point average and have completed at least 12 college-level credit hours at Vol State. The scholarship covers full tuition and fees at the in-state rate, as well as a $300 per semester book stipend. Students selected serve a one-year term.

The 2014-2015 Vol State President’s Ambassadors from left to right: Graham Gaines of Goodlettsville; Virginia White of Miami, FL; Maggie Goodner of Lebanon; Allie Brown of Livingston; Sarina Milonis of Hermitage; Samantha Harden of Jamestown; Garrett Moore of Portland; Kristin Grimes of Portland; Lindsey Maxwell of Gallatin; Andrew Stoddard of Lebanon; and Jacob Shartzer of Portland. Not pictured is Kyle Nagy of Goodlettsville.

Classes are just a few days in, and the Gallatin campus is bustling with activity as everyone is getting familiar with the lay of the land.

Austin Kemp is new to Vol State. He transferred in this semester from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and Kemp is very much looking forward to the smaller class sizes offered here on campus.

Q: Why did you choose to come to Vol State after attending a four-year university?
A: "I decided this is a lot cheaper, and it provides a really stout education for me. I can get really good classes that will transfer, and I've just heard a lot about the high-end education that's offered here."

Q: What's the class you are most looking forward to take this semester?
A: "Intro to Mass Communication. My major is going to be involving journalism, mass media, and things of that nature, so I guess this is the first class I will have taken that's a step toward that goal."

Q: Now that summer has come to an end, what's the one thing you are going to miss?
A: "Free time. That's not going to exist once classes start."

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Students eligible for the Phi Theta
Kappa honors society should receive letters in September. If you’re eligible, you
may want to consider applying. The community college honors society helps
students build leadership skills. Some of the top students at Vol State are
involved each year. Last semester Joseph Olson of Hendersonville and Lara
Miller of Lebanon were nominated to the Phi Theta Kappa All-USA Community
College Academic Team. The select group is chosen from community college
students across the country. The two Vol State students were originally named
to the All-Tennessee Academic Team, and then chosen for this national honor,
the prelude to being named to the national team itself. For more information on
PTK visit the website: www.ptk.org

Pictured: Joseph Olson was
congratulated on his accomplishment by Vol State president Dr. Jerry Faulkner.

Summer might officially be over and classes may have started, but that's no reason for the fun to end. Returning student Jordan Vandegejuchte is ready for the start of what's sure to be a great year at Vol State.

Jordan Vandejuchte

Vandegejuchte is studying business administration. After a challenging first year, she is looking forward to her classes.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most about the new year at Vol State?
A: "Finishing everything up. I have a really good schedule this year. It flows well. I'm on track for my degree."

Q: What's the best piece of advice you can give to new students?
A: "Always ask questions. If you have any issues, just ask your professors and they will help you out — how to get somewhere, how to do a problem. Just anything."

Q: What's the best way to have fun on campus?
A: "Make new friends. Talk to people you don't normally talk to, and just do everything a little bit different, because this is a new start."

Monday, August 25, 2014

Nobody likes traffic jams, but there's no reason you can't make getting around campus easy on yourself.

This semester will see the beginning of a major construction project on a new Humanities Building on the Gallatin campus, so your normal traffic patterns getting in and out of campus will likely change as construction gets underway.

By getting into the habit now of using the back entrance and the two parking lots located near Enterprise Drive, students will be able to avoid any construction and road closures that will be taking place later on in the semester.

The new Humanities Building will be located behind the Wood Campus Center.

Where is Enterprise Drive?It's the road that leads to the campus from Greenlea Boulevard near Highway 386.The Gallatin campus' new Humanities Building will be located in the parking lot behind the Wood Campus Center.Road construction and parking lot closures are expected to be the biggest changes once crews gear up for the start of the project.This will most notably effect the main entrance on Howard George Boulevard. That road will eventually stop behind Caudill Hall to make way for a new pedestrian mall that will stretch beyond the library.

A new pedestrian mall will replace a major portion of Howard George Boulevard.

Although returning student Jordan Vandejuchte has never used the back entrance before, she said the new route shouldn't hinder too much, as long as she gives herself ample time to get to and from her classroom."I guess I'd have to plan for that. Get here a little earlier so I can walk to my class," she said.Bryanna Boyd, another returning student, said she hopes the parking situation will be manageable as construction begins ramping up."They'll need to open up more parking spaces, because people always feel like they have nowhere to park," Boyd said.A new parking lot near the back entrance of campus is planned to be constructed along with the new Humanities Building.The 85,800-square-foot facility will feature 23 classrooms, 18 labs, 11 collaborative study areas, 56 offices, 20 adjunct faculty workrooms, and an outdoor amphitheater and courtyard.The new building also will feature a number of specialized instructional spaces, including a recording studio; drawing, ceramics, and printmaking studios; instrumental and choral practice rooms; computer labs; an instructional art gallery; and a large capacity flexible instructional space.Anticipated to begin construction in November, the new Humanities Building will be constructed to meet U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification.The project is expected to take about two years to complete.The new building and pedestrian area will be a welcome addition to the campus, and students, such as Jacob Weems, are looking forward to it."As long as it's bettering the campus, personally, I have no complaints," he said.We have created a new map detailing the campus' back entrance. Click on the image below for a better look at the route.

The selected yellow route will allow easier access to campus during times of construction.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Do
you need help with Vol State passwords and other Information Technology issues? The IT Help
Desk can help you. It’s now located in the Vol State Learning Commons of the
Thigpen Library. You can also call 615-230-3302.

The
hours of operation will be:

·
Monday –Thursday 7:30am- 8pm

·
Friday-7:30am-5pm

·
Saturday-8am-12noon

Password Issues:
If
you are having issues logging in to your student account, you can change your
password and unlock your account from the My Vol State login page. Click the
'Change or activate your password' link on the bottom left of the login page
(you will need your V number and your birthdate to do this). If you are still having
login issues you can call or visit the IT Help Desk.

Help Desk staff can provide general computer use
and printing information. They can also provide limited assistance with getting
your laptop or wireless device onto the wireless network. You can find
detailed instructions for setting up a wireless laptop connection under the
"Student Wireless" link on the IT webpage (www.volstate.edu/it/student)
If you have followed the directions but are unable to connect, the Help Desk
staff can provide general assistance but are not allowed to physically work on
your equipment.

D2L Navigation Issues: The Help desk
staff can show you how to navigate around your D2L shell. However, they won’t
be able to help with class problems or questions. If you need specific D2L help
please email your instructor or for system issues email D2L-mailbox@volstate.edu.

If you are a student on the Highland
Crest (Springfield) Campus and the Livingston Campus please call 615-230-3302
for password assistance. Each campus has lab assistants that can help with
other issues. Just ask the front desk.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Otis Key is the new women’s basketball coach at Volunteer State Community College. He comes most recently from South Warren High School in Kentucky, where he was boys’ varsity assistant and freshmen coach.

“We had a lot of quality applicants,” said Vol State athletic director, Bobby Hudson. “I took the time to find the right one. I think Otis will do a great job. He has player development experience. He’s also a former player for the Harlem Globetrotters.”

“I spent ten great seasons within the Harlem Globetrotters organization,” Key said. “I had many roles. I think that experience, in many different areas, helps me in my coaching, not to mention all of the great coaches I worked for.”

Key coached for the American Basketball Association Kentucky Bison and the Continental Basketball Association Bowling Green Hornets. He is currently working with the Vol State team to get ready for the upcoming season.

“I’ve talked to all of our players. I’m excited to meet them and begin watching them play. I think this team has a lot of potential. We have our nucleus coming back and an all-American, Jenise Davis, coming back.”

The Vol State Lady Pioneers will hold scrimmages in October and kick-off their season on November 1 in the Vestle “Pops” Hudson Classic at Vol State versus Wabash Valley. For the complete schedule visit www.volstate.edu/athletics.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Welcome new Vol State students. Here are five things that
can make your life a bit easier:

-Double-check your class schedule to make sure
that you don’t have conflicts.

2. -Make sure that you don’t have online classes,
unless you want them. The sections that
are online include: CO#, R## and H##.

3. -If you have a class that says Livingston,
Highland or McGavock for location, those are other campuses, not buildings on
the Gallatin campus.

4. -Print up a campus map
and figure out where your classes will be held.

5. -Get to campus early on the first few days to
find parking and to find your way around.

If you are having any issues you can call or visit the
Advising Center this week for help. They are in Ramer 174 or by phone at
615-230-3702. You can also talk to an Advisor at Highland and Livingston.
Check-in at the front desk.

With just one week remaining until classes begin, returning Volunteer State Community College student Courtney Young is eager to get her final year as a Pioneer underway.

The Gordonsville student is excited for her second year at Vol State, mainly because she will finally be getting a chance to take the nursing courses she has been itching to take since she arrived on campus last year.

"This is really my time to focus on getting those electives done, so I can get all my credits," Young said.

And staying focused is exactly what Young plans to do as she makes the final preparations for the start of what she imagines will be a great school year.

"I'm trying to get everything done. I'm really excited to get through all of my science classes before I finally transfer," she said.

Young said she initially chose to attend Vol State because she had friends who told her it was an easy way to transition themselves into the world of higher education. Being able to take her freshman year and get much of her general education courses out of the way has positioned Young to get a head start on the remainder of her college career.

"It's a lot easier. Some of my friends went to a four-year college, and they are struggling, so I think it's easier just to go here," she said.

To help assist with that type of easy transition, Vol State has numerous academic support programs in place for students who might be struggling with specific areas of study.

One of the other aspects Young has enjoyed is being able to take advantage of Vol State's participation in the Tennessee Transfer Pathways program, which guarantees all of her credits will transfer to another Tennessee institution.

Since Young plans on completing her nursing education at Tennessee Technological University, the program has been highly beneficial.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Where is my 8 a.m. class? Will my first exam be hard? Where on earth do I park?

Don't panic. You're not the only one with those questions.

As with any new venture, there can be a fair share of anxiety, but those pesky pre-semester jitters don’t have to get in the way of what’s sure to be a rewarding experience.“It’s a lot different than high school. It’s bigger and there are harder classes,” incoming Volunteer State Community College freshman Taylor Waldron said. “I’m just looking forward to the difference of not being in school from 8 in the morning to 3, and having my own class hours. It’ll be different.”While the Portland student might be nervous about the start of her college career, there are plenty of things that outweigh any kind of anxiety she might have regarding the post-high school life.Fellow student Seth McCoy said he shared many of the same trepidations as Waldron when he was embarking on his freshman year.With the help of professors and the offices on campus, McCoy said he was able to make the transition into life at Vol State fairly easily.New friendships also helped McCoy become acclimated to college, and he’s looking forward to catching up with those friends when classes start Aug. 25.“I’m excited to get back in and see and bunch of friends that I made here the first year,” he said.McCoy’s best advice for new (and returning) students who might be feeling the pressure of those pre-semester butterflies?Don’t let yourself get bogged down in the classwork.McCoy said if you don’t procrastinate, you’ll be in store for a much easier semester.Also, have fun.This is college after all.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Important info for Financial Aid students: If you have received a Financial Aid award notification from the college, the Financial Aid money will automatically be credited towards your Fall class fees. Some people are confused by an August 15 date. Don't worry about that date. If you have received an official financial aid award notification, you can see the money now in the "Authorized Aid" section of My Vol State. If that amount covers all of your fees, then you are set and it will be automatically credited. If it less than Fall fees, you will need to pay the balance by tomorrow afternoon. Once again, if you have received an official financial aid notification email and it's for an amount that covers your fall class fees, you will not be dropped from classes. If your file is still incomplete, you may have a problem. If so, get those documents needed to Financial Aid and give them a call at 230-3456.

Monday, August 11, 2014

You can get connected to Vol State in several
different ways. Our goal is to keep you up to date with important information
and announcements. However, we also want to provide space for you to interact
with other students, ask questions and even make new friends.

Here's what we have available:

Facebook: The Vol State Facebook page for
current students is home to all sorts of information and tips to help you
throughout the school year. Students chat with each other, sell textbooks and
share information about favorite classes and professors. Once you've decided to
be a student join the family by Friending us here: www.Facebook.com/VolState

Blog: The Vol State Virtual Community is our
campus blog. It has stories about interesting people on campus, cool new
programs, student activities and more. In fact, you're on it right now! You can set up an RSS feed to get
regular updates or just look-in whenever you feel like it: www.volstate.edu/Blog

Text Messages: We offer important announcements,
including emergencies, weather delays and cancelations, in a text alert system
sent directly to your phone or email. You can sign-up by campus and also choose
whether or not to receive additional college tips and information via text
alert. It's free and you can sign-up here: www.volstate.edu/Text

Web Page: The Vol State website is your primary
hub for everything Vol State. You can use the A-Z index to locate specific
programs or offices. The People Finder will help you look up instructors or
staff. www.volstate.edu

My Vol State and Email: You'll be receiving important notices throughout
the school year on your student email account. It's important to check this
often. This is our way of reaching you individually with important information
about things such as financial aid. You can access your email by using the My
Vol State web page. My Vol State helps you connect to online classes as well.
Keep an eye on the My Vol State page for other campus information, such as
stories from the Settler student newspaper. https://portal.volstate.eduHave a great semester and stay in touch!

Friday, August 8, 2014

Here are six things you need to know before Fall classes start on August 25:

One: You can pick up
student IDs and parking passes starting on August 14 in Student Services, Wood Campus Center, Room
217 on the Gallatin campus. See the front desks at
Livingston and Highland. Please bring a photo ID and proof (receipt or
print-out) that you have paid your tuition and fees. Returning students will
just need to have a sticker put on their old ID, so make sure you bring the old
ID along. There is no extra cost for parking or an ID, as the cost is already
included in your student fees.

Two: If you are
new to the Vol State Gallatin campus, give yourself plenty of time to park and
find your way around during the first week of classes. Arrive early and
consider using the back entrance off of GreenLea. It’s much less crowded than
the Nashville Pike entrance.

Three: Print up
the campus map to help spot your classes before you arrive. Also, some office locations
changed this summer.

Four: Online
classes start the first day of classes, August 25. Make sure you check in right
away, especially if you have Financial Aid. Online classes have things students
need to do to check attendance, just like traditional classes.

Five: Friend us on
Facebook to make sure you stay in touch with the latest tips and info from the
college. We post things to that page several times a day. Be sure to go to the
Friend page. The Like Facebook page is for people considering college. Go to
this one.

Six: Sign up for
text alerts to find out right away when classes might be delayed or canceled
due to weather. A reminder: Vol State is not part of the Sumner County school
system. So, if the TV stations say Sumner County is closed, that has nothing to
do with Vol State. We put listings on TV and radio as Vol State, but the
quickest way to find out is by signing up for text alerts or going to our web
page. We also post closings on Facebook, but you will have to visit the exact
page…it may not come up on your news feed.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Current Vol State students: Did you know that you have a free tool to help you not only find Vol State classes at times that you want, but also plan your entire school day? It’s called College Scheduler. It can help you pick the class schedule that works best for you. It’s easy to use and it’s available now on your My Vol State page under the “Pride Online” tab.We have a short video that can help you get started using College Scheduler.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

-Fall class fees (tuition and fees) are due on August 13 if you have already registered for classes.

-If fees are not paid by the due date, you will be dropped from your classes and you will have to re-register. Visit the Business Office website at www.volstate.edu/businessoffice for additional information.-Financial Aid will be officially applied to your account on August 12. Until then, you will need to visit your Financial Aid section of My Vol State to see what you are getting and compare it to what is owed.

-If you register for classes after August 13, fees are due when you register.-Financial Aid refunds will begin after attendance has been taken in the first week of classes. You need to attend those first classes to be marked as attending. Online classes often have a simple assignment to complete to show you are attending. For more info about Financial Aid visit their web page.-There are several different ways that you can get your Financial Aid refund. Here is a link to that information.